Closer

Making Ammends

Damian's POV

I regretted shutting Father out before he had a chance to inform me of Todd's condition. Each step down to the Bat Cave felt heavy and sluggish. Part of me wanted to know, to see him, even if it was for the last time. Another part of me wanted to turn and leave, run to Todd's apartment and clean the place up, pretend none of it ever happened, but I'm not going to give into that side. As my foot hit the cave floor from the last step of the stairs, I heard voices.

"Oh my god, Roy, shut your f*cking mouth!" My heart stopped for a quick second before I was grabbing weapons from my belt, storming towards the med bay where Todd lay, hooked up to an IV and a bunch of other machines I didn't care enough to identify.

"As happy as I am that your alive Todd, I want to kill you." I snapped, tightly gripping my staff.

"Figures that would be the greeting I get." Todd smirked. He sat up very slowly, trying hard not to aggravate his wound.

"Don't hurt yourself, Jaybird." Harper cautioned, moving to Todd's side.

"Hey! Shut up, Roy, only I use that nickname." Grayson piped in, walking over to Todd and hugging him gently. Todd stiffened but didn't argue against the affection. Grayson pulled away, suddenly noticing the staff in my hand. "You don't actually plan to kill him." Grayson stated, resting a hand on my shoulder. I relaxed, putting my staff away.

"How are you doing, Jason?" Father asked, approaching Todd with haste but also caution.

"I'll be better when you leave and when I get home, so I can clean up my apartment and pretend none of this happened." Todd grumbled, clenching his fists. I got a huge sense of déjà vu. Then I remembered something I wanted to ask Todd.

"How did you know? That they were coming for me?" I asked, taking a step closer to Todd.

He sighed. "I was getting threats three days after I invited you to my apartment."

"Why didn't you say anything?" I snapped, growing frustrated. "I could have helped!"

"You endangered my son!? The second you received those threats you should have sent him home! He would have been safer here!" Father growled, taking a threatening step forward only for the action to be ceased by Pennyworth, who stuck his arm out in front of Father to stop him. Surprisingly Todd didn't have a reply, just sat there looking at his feet like a child being scolded by their parents. I huffed, turning to glare at Father.

"Right. Safer. You didn't want me here, remember? You kicked me out!" I snapped.

"And I was wrong to do that. Damian, I'm so sorry. I can't blame what I said on anything else but myself. I didn't mean it, and when you left I was devastated. I wanted you back, and when I heard you were with Jason, I thought that was my chance to get both of my sons back. I've messed up." Father sighed, turning to look at Todd. "More than once. You're not the family's failure, Jason. You're one of the strongest people I know." He finished, taking a step back towards the stairs leading up to the manor. "I can't express enough how guilty I am. The choice is up to you. He nodded towards me and Todd before making his way out of the cave.

Perhaps we should allow Master Jason to rest. Pennyworth said, ushering everyone out of the room. I reluctantly followed, my gaze landing on Todd just before my view was blocked by Grayson ushering me forward. Todd sat there, still looking down at his feet, his expression emotionless. He had looked almost guilty. I tried not to worry as I made my way up to my room, hoping that some drawing would ease my troubles a little bit. Maybe Id draw something new this time.

-

I woke up, sitting up and looking at my surroundings. I must have fallen asleep while drawing. Pushing the papers, that had been under my head moments ago, aside I noticed a note attached to the drawing of Todd I had been working on. I picked it up, reading it.

'This is good, kid. But don't forget to add the helmet. I decided to leave the city for a few days to mull things over. Roy and Kori are with me, dont get your cape in a knot. Dont tell Bats. If you need me, just give me a call.

~Jason

I bolted up out of my room, rushing down to the Bat Cave and passed a concerned looking Grayson and Drake, who had been playing what looked to be cards with Brown and Caine. I ran to the med bay and say it was empty, Todds clothes that had been folded by his bed side were gone. Another note lay on the pillow. I picked it up and read it. It was short and to the point.

'Ill think about it.

~Jason